Real Estate Agent Personal Safety - Part III

Posted on February 19, 2009
Filed Under Realtor Safety Awareness, Realtor Safety Tips

Courtesy of Texas Association of Realtors

Protect Yourself - Isn’t It Time To Get Serious About Your Safety?

by Bridget McCrea

What would you do if … ?

One of the best steps agents can take to protect themselves is to have a plan in place that addresses any scenarios that could take place, says Cheryl Watterson, president at Granger, Indiana-based Personal Security Solutions. Think about what you would do if you found yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, says this self-defense expert, and then mentally walk through the steps you would take to get out of it safely.

Watterson compares her 20-year stint in sales for a national alarm company to the work of a real estate agent. Both are out in the field most of the time and are exposed to a wide variety of people on a daily basis … sometimes under potentially unsafe circumstances. To make sure she wasn’t victimized while working at someone’s home, Watterson trained herself to watch how doors were shut and/or locked behind her, avoided basements when possible, maintained a safe distance from customers, surveyed her surroundings regularly, and knew what she was going to do if someone grabbed or attacked her.

Watterson also urges agents to follow Armstrong’s lead by always carrying pepper spray or mace, particularly when working alone in the field. A fully charged cell phone is equally as valuable, she says, as are self-defense classes and safety-awareness seminars.

Siciliano says a little suspicion can also go a long way in keeping agents safe from harm. “Be suspect of everyone,” he says. “While there isn’t any benefit in being paranoid, being a little guarded can keep you from getting into a vulnerable situation.” And remember that criminals don’t always make their move on the first meeting (as Malone found out). “They like to gain your trust so you feel comfortable carrying cash and jewelry,” says Siciliano, “and then they decide it’s safe to move in.”

Put systems in place to protect yourself.

Get ID and prequalification information from clients during the first meeting, says Siciliano, whether that interaction takes place at the office or offsite. “Start a file with all their identification, including information such as a license plate and employer contact information,” he adds. “Someone who is prequalified by a lender and meets you at the office is less likely to be a predator.”

If the unfortunate occurs, Siciliano advises agents to use predetermined code words to alert the office of the problem, such as green, yellow, and red to indicate the level of severity. For example, say to your contact back at the office, “It’s in the green folder,” letting your contact know you are fine. Or you would say, “It’s in the yellow folder,” thus alerting your contact that the situation is shaky and that you might need assistance.

And remember that regardless of current market or economic conditions, there is—and always has been—a criminal element lurking out there. “There will always be predators stalking their prey and seeking their next victim. Your job is not to be chosen as their next victim,” says Siciliano. “Do that by understanding the fundamentals of personal security and incorporating as many safety strategies into your personal and professional lives as possible.”

Bridget McCrea is a writer and former real estate agent in Dunedin, Florida.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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